Food Manager and Food Handler Certification
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The Houston Health Department's Food Manager and Food Handler Certificate classes prepare and certify individuals to become food service managers and handlers.
Food handler and manager online certification
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Food establishment COVID-19 safety certification
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Who is a food service manager?
A food service manager is a person who has demonstrated that he or she has the knowledge, skills and abilities required to protect the public from foodborne illness by means of successfully completing a certified food manager examination and becoming certified, according to Texas Administrative Code Rule §229.176
Who is a food handler?
A food handler is an individual working with unpackaged food, food equipment or utensils, or food-contact surfaces, according to Texas Food Establishment Rule §228.2(56).
Classes and certification
- Online training: State of Texas accredited.
- Classroom training: The City of Houston provides limited in-person Food Service Manager’s Certification classes at the Environmental Services Division, 7411 Park Place Blvd. The classroom course certificate is valid only in the City of Houston.
- Reciprocity: Food personnel who have a current accredited national or State of Texas food manager safety card/certificate must also obtain the City of Houston Food Service Manager’s Certification. Complete an application at the Houston Health Department office; submit the certificate for confirmation of reciprocity and photo identification.
- Optional exam: This one-hour, exam-only option is for people who have knowledge of current food safety practices or have prepared by studying the course manual. Call 832-393-5100 for reservations.
Food manager or handler (classes in Houston, Texas)
Registration and prepayment are required for all classes. Class size is limited.
- Register by phone: 832-393-5100 (Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
Class fees (subject to change) and how to pay them
- Fees for 2023
- FSMC: $87.71
- Food handler: $12.53
- Exam: $93.98
- Pay online: After registering, you will be emailed payment instructions.
- Pay in person by money order, business check, cashier's check, credit or debit card (no personal checks or cash accepted) at:
Houston Health Department
8000 Stadium Drive
Houston, Texas 77054
Resources
- Food Manager Certification Manual: English
- Food Manager Certification Manual: Spanish
- Food Manager Certification Manual: Chinese
- Food Manager Certification Manual: Vietnamese
- Forms and Documents
Page last reviewed: October 27, 2023